Roswell man pleads not guilty in child pornography case

CARLSBAD >> A Roswell construction worker says he is not guilty of producing or distributing child pornography.

Jim Walter Qualls Jr., 27, pleaded not guilty before a federal judge Wednesday in Las Cruces to charges of production and distribution of photographs depicting minors engaged in sexual acts. The case stems from an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security in July.

Elizabeth Martinez, U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, said the investigation started after photographs of a female toddler being sexually abused were traced to a computer belonging to Qualls. Agents searched Qualls' home and seized several electronic devices including a computer and camera.

If convicted, Qualls faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Currently, he is being held in federal custody pending a hearing scheduled August 13.